Ortho/Spine Services

For more information about any of these orthopaedic or spine procedures ...

Contact April Matthews, RN, at 706/774-2760.

About University's Ortho/Spine Program

University was named one of America's Top 100 Hospitals for Orthopaedic Surgery, Joint Replacement or Spine Surgery by Healthgrades, the nation's leading online resource for those looking for a physician or hospital. University was the only hospital in the state of Georgia to receive this recognition.

University Hospital also is the only facility in the CSRA to receive the Blue Cross Blue Shield designation as a Blue Distinction Center+ for Knee and Hip Replacement as well as for Spine Surgery*.

The orthopaedic and neurosurgeons who practice at University Hospital provide expert medical care for patients by evaluating and treating degenerative joint disease; arthritis of the hip, knee, shoulder or ankle; or conditions requiring joint replacement.

University's orthopaedic and spinal services includes a 36-bed unit with a dedicated nursing staff with nationally certified clinicians. The fellowship-trained physicians who practice at University work beside our nurses to deliver Orthopaedic/Spine care from pre-admissions through recovery for our patients. Our multidisciplinary team provides services for our patients throughout their stay. A physical therapy satellite office is location on our unit to get therapist to the bedside as quickly as possible.

University Hospital also is the only facility in the CSRA to be designated an Aetna Insitute of Quality® for total joint replacement and spine surgery.

Aetna makes information about the quality and cost of health care services available to its members to help them make informed decisions about their health care needs. In line with this goal, Aetna recognizes hospitals and facilities in its network that offer specialized clinical services for certain health conditions. Facilities are selected for consistently delivering evidence-based, safe care.

The surgeon talks to the patient about their symptoms and medical history then examines the affected area, as well as related areas. Radiographs are commonly obtained to view the affected area and CTs and MRIs also may be ordered.

Treatment Options

Treatment options include:

Knee Arthroscopy - This procedure involves the examination and treatment of cartilage tears within the knee joint using a camera and small skin incisions.

Partial Knee Replacement - During this procedure, the surgeon replaces the inside or outside of the knee joint only.

Total Knee Replacement - The procedure involves the complete resurfacing of the knee (thigh bone, shin bone and knee cap).

Partial Hip Replacement - During this procedure, the surgeon replaces the ball of the hip, usually after a fracture.

Total Hip Replacement - The surgeon completely replaces the hip (ball and socket).

Foot and Ankle Reconstruction and Trauma Surgery - This procedure is for fractured ankles or injuries from falls that cause fractures in the heel or other bones of the foot.

Hand, Elbow and Shoulder Reconstruction and Trauma Surgery - In this procedure, some injuries, such as rotator cuff tears, can be repaired by using a camera and small skin incisions

Adult Spine Surgery - This spinal fusion surgery is used to correct conditions caused by arthritis or instability of the spine. In this procedure, the painful vertebrae are fused together so they heal into a single, solid bone.

Trauma Treatment

Board certified physicians who practice at University Hospital provide expert medical care for all traumatic injuries of the bones of the extremities and pelvis. Surgical specialists treat acutely injured patients with broken bones, open wounds of the extremities and multiple injuries. Surgeons also provide care for any subsequent complications of the injury after treatment, such as bone infections, deformities and non-healing bones.

Sports Medicine

Board certified physicians who practice at University Hospital also attend many sporting events at area schools to provide medical care and support for our growing athletes.

* Blue Distinction Centers (BDC) met overall quality measures for patient safety and outcomes, developed with input from the medical community. Blue Distinction® Centers+ (BDC+) also met cost measures that address consumers’ need for affordable healthcare. Individual outcomes may vary. National criteria is displayed on www.bcbs.com. A Local Blue Plan may require additional criteria for facilities located in its own service area. To find out which services and providers (including hospital based physicians) are covered under your policy, or to learn about Local Blue Plan Criteria, contact your Local Blue Plan; and contact your provider before making an appointment to verify its current Network and Blue Distinction Centers status. Each hospital’s Cost Index is calculated separately, based on data from its Local Blue Plan. Hospitals in portions of CA, ID, NY, PA, and WA may lie in areas served by two Local Blue Plans, resulting in two Cost Index figures; and their own Local Blue Plans decide whether all hospitals in these areas must meet Blue Distinction Centers+ national criteria for one or both Cost Index figures. Neither Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association nor any Blue Plans are responsible for damages, losses, or non-covered charges resulting from Blue Distinction or other provider finder information or care received from Blue Distinction or other providers. To find out more, contact your Local Blue Plan.